The 2013 Run 4 Roseville is set to kick off April 21 in Maidu Park. And with a burgeoning turnout that exceeded 1,700 last year, supporters of local schools hope to make big strides in what is becoming one of the city’s most high-profile nonprofit events.

Slated as the flagship fundraiser for the Roseville City School District Foundation, Run 4 Roseville donates all proceeds toward funding technology grants used by Roseville schools. Once populated by a few dozen participants, the event is now housed in the crown jewel of Roseville’s much-vaunted recreational portfolio – Maidu Park.

And for Susan Duane, RCSD Foundation co-president, that’s a great opportunity to help the foundation raise funds that go directly to local schools to purchase critical technology to help kids learn.

“Also, we raised over $36,000 last year from our race,” said Duane, who, like several members of the RCSD board, is a parent of RCSD students. Funds generated by the race are used to fund Partners In Education grants, which local educators apply for to purchase educational technology.

The event is a chance for community members to support local schools, which educators said goes a long way in helping them buy items that make a big difference in the classroom.

“It’s always a challenge, and one of the biggest challenges in schools is that we have to stay current with technology,” said Kathy Gerould, a teacher at Blue Oaks Elementary. “It changes so quickly, and it’s such a big expense. So I am excited that they are expanding the PIE grants to science, engineering and math,” she said. “And I’m hoping we can get more training on the technology, too.”

Gerould was awarded a PIE grant for a document camera, which allows her to show lessons on-screen.

“Even in third grade, they pay more attention on what’s on the screen. Using document cameras has changed my teaching style in the past three years,” she said.

For Gerould, RCSD Foundation has been a true asset in helping her stay abreast of the latest tools and technologies, ultimately benefiting pupils.

“The foundation always listens to what we say,” she added. “They take our advice to heart. It’s really great.”

Lori Burkhead, a physical education teacher at Kaseberg Elementary and Diamond Oaks Elementary, also received a grant, which she used to purchase equipment. It was a huge asset in keeping her P.E. classes – which can be as large as 60 students – engaged and entertained. Which isn’t easy given the number of kids, or often-limiting space constraints, especially on rainy days.

“I can now have indoor (fitness) stations and resistance bands,” Burkhead said. “The kids love it because they’re using grown-up equipment. It’s about keeping kids active for the rest of their lives, and to get this grant is really cool.”